Congratulations! on the baby you’re expecting! Things may seem a little confusing right now, but it should reassure you to know that even "experienced" parents can feel overwhelmed when they find out that a new baby is about to join their family. Becoming a mom or dad is an amazing thing, no matter who you are.

If anyone is encouraging you to surrender your baby to adoption, please contact us by phone or email us. Our volunteers have experienced adoption in their own lives, and they can tell you what it feels like to be adopted or surrender your own child. We’ll also help you find the support you need to keep your baby – the best thing for both of you!

Don’t let anyone tell you that adoption is the "right choice" or the "loving option" for your baby. YOU are the only mother or father your baby has, and no one will be able to take your place in his or her life. People who try to convince you to surrender your baby are probably in a position to get something out of the adoption for themselves – either money or your child himself. Other people may tell you that you’ll be "giving a wonderful gift" to an infertile couple – this is NOT your responsibility. Your only job is to be the best mom or dad you can be for your baby. Your child isn’t going to want or accept any substitute for the real thing!

Being young or unmarried or poor will not make you a bad parent, and we will help you overcome any obstacles that you face along the way. The most important thing is that you be there for your child the way that no one else can.

Please email us. Let us know how we can help you, and we will!

• A baby is born with the innate ability to recognize his or her mother by her voice, scent, and body rhythms.  Being separated from her is traumatic and creates a lasting psychological wound (see The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier).

• Open adoptions are often promised to parents who are reluctant to part with their infants.  However, there are no guarantees that the adopters will keep their promise to stay in touch.  It has been estimated that the majority of open adoptions end up being closed by the adopters (according to Heather Carlini, founder of The Carlini Institute which trains post-adoption counselors).

• Organizations that support and make money from adoption, like the National Council for Adoption, have begun "training" professionals who work with pregnant women to promote adoption to their clients.  Expectant mothers should be wary of anyone who tries to sell them on the idea.